Table Of Content

The bargain options tend to only have one heat setting — usually at an unknown temperature — and this simply doesn't give you enough control to treat your tresses with care, he explained to WebMD. Though it's not necessary to drop hundreds of dollars on a flat iron, choosing a well-reviewed, moderately priced one with ceramic plates and customized temperature control is a good idea. After all, it would be pricier down the road to repair your hair after wrecking it with a cheapo iron. Nevertheless, the sweet spot tends to be in the mid-200s to mid-300s (via Byrdie). If you have to go over your hair too many times to get it straight, you'll need to up the temp; otherwise, you'll risk unnecessary damage from all those passes. Baby-fine hair or strands that are damaged or color-treated will typically be fine on the lower end.
Start with the right shampoo and conditioner
Science-y brand Virtue uses a human-identical form of keratin in its advanced formulas, meaning the hair recognises it and knows exactly how to put it to good use. This super-lightweight volumising shampoo leaves hair clean while swelling lacklustre strands, but it's the long-term nourishing benefits that make it really worthwhile. Hold a flat iron horizontally and place a small section of hair in it. To all of these methods, add a few drops of sweet almond or coconut oil to further tame frizz and smooth out the look.
Oribe Gel Serum
Hair relaxation is one of the most popular techniques used to straighten very curly and coily hair. Chemical relaxers come in various types and strengths and the stylist needs to choose the one that matches your hair condition and your curls type. Believe it or not, you can also use rollers to straighten your hair. "For long hair, use about six jumbo [plastic] rollers and section the towel-dried hair to the rollers' width, comb it up, and wrap your hair flat against the roller," Engelsen revealed. The right shampoo and conditioner can help smooth and moisturize your hair, making it easier to straighten when you’re out of the shower. Next, take 3-inch sections of hair and run a flat iron over each section.
Using the Iron
Ceramic plates work by heating hair from the inside out with infrared technology, while titanium works by heating the exterior of the hair shaft. If wielded improperly, titanium plates can result in greater damage, especially to curly or textured hair. These tips will help you get the best results from straightening your hair whilst minimising the damage. While this might be the easiest method in how to straighten your hair, it can also cause damage. It’s tempting – especially when you’re rushing – to reach right for the hair straightener. "It fights frizz and smoothes hair beautifully." Engelsen also recommends using a heat protectant like L'Oreal's Sealing Repair Lipidium Double Serum.
Full-fat milk (coconut or dairy) has a conditioning effect on hair, which smooths it and tames it, helping it to hang straighter. Chiara Butler, a reviews analyst in the GH Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, led our latest round of flat iron testing and produced a highly detailed technical report on the findings. Long story short, silicones can have beneficial effects, especially when it comes to straightening with heat. Anything more than gentle pressure will pull on the roots, causing damage.
The only way to get rid of relaxed hair and wear your natural texture is to chop off the relaxed part. When I chopped my hair, my hairstylist instructed a junior stylist to grab "the grip". My ears pricked up because my straight, silky hair holds no style and needs all the grip it can get. Straightening your hair isn't difficult if you pay attention and take your time. A mistake can burn your hair or skin or, possibly, add a crimp to your hair. Avoid these issues with careful preparation and treat your hair with a heat protection product prior to ironing.
Be careful with straightening your ends, as they can get caught in the seam of the plates. Using a wide-toothed comb or gentle brush strokes, brush hair to remove any knots and ensure the product is spread evenly throughout. Continue gliding down the hair, and then do the same but bending the other way until you reach the ends. A few hours and a lot of hair product later, I finally figured out how to nail the textured waves look, and fast. Don’t forget to leave a comment to let me know how you liked this technique for easy beach waves for short hair. For sections around the face, start slightly away from the roots to keep the style modern.
Monitor Your Temperature

Hair styles come and go, but sleek, straight hair is always in style. And while some of us are born with naturally straight strands, a straightening session is often the only way for curly or wavy hair types to get a straight style. But anyone who's ever spent any time with a flat iron or blow dryer knows that hair straightening isn't easy–and can even damage your hair.

Salon Treatments
Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit for Uterine Cancer April 2024 - Sokolove Law News & Blog
Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit for Uterine Cancer April 2024.
Posted: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
"It's very important to begin with a proper shampoo and conditioner made for straight hair," says Scunci's celebrity stylist Laura Polko. "Post-wash, try to get out as much moisture as possible, then apply a smoothing cream—or use leave-in conditioner to prep your hair and use a smoothing serum or oil, depending on hair type, to finish." Once hair is rough-dried with a blow dryer and a brush, Roque explains that you section the hair into small sections and go over them with a flat iron/straightener. "The look lasts as long as the hair can last before looking visibly dirty or until the next wash," says Ramos.
The 9 Best Hair Straighteners of 2024, Tested by Real Simple - Real Simple
The 9 Best Hair Straighteners of 2024, Tested by Real Simple.
Posted: Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Designed more to smooth and tame hair than to completely straighten it, keratin treatments are primarily for those who want to keep some of their natural waves or curls and just aim at glossier, healthier looking locks. We have rounded up the top 5 solutions, comparing hair straightening techniques by cost, safety, effect for your hair type, and practicality, and included helpful tips to help you make the best choice. If you happen to be having a wacky hair day or are just really not feeling your au naturel locks, use those days off as an opportunity to try out some different styles. Celebrity hairstylist and Head & Shoulders ambassador Sunnie Brook Jones told Today that her tried and true favorites include buns, braids, and ponytails. She also suggests managing frizz by applying a serum to damp hair and letting it air dry. Having a plan is a good thing, and this is definitely true when it comes to straightening hair without causing damage.
Whether you just got a new flat iron or have been using the same straightener for years, it's worth experimenting to see if you can attain your lewk on a lower setting. Flat irons often have temperature settings ranging from 140 to 450 degrees. When bringing the heat (so to speak), the less time it spends on your hair, the better. "If you are using a curling or straight iron, you should probably not use it for more than three or four seconds [per section]," dermatologist Carolyn Jacob told WebMD. That is enough time for your flat iron to have an effect on your hair without getting into singe territory.
Yeah, this understated skill is a game-changer, especially during weekday mornings, rainy days, or crucial last-minute, can’t-mess-this-up moments. The style holds well throughout the day, but don’t be afraid to give it a scrunch to bring back the volume. Allow the curls to cool completely before touching them to ensure they hold their shape.
Engelson suggested using a bit of cardboard or other firm material in the bobby pins to avoid creating dents in the hair. "We must remember there is no need for extra heat if your hair is already straight," Rashuna Durham, owner of the New York hair salon Shuna Hair Studio, told Byrdie. "The flat iron process on straight hair is just to smooth the cuticle and get rid of any of those pesky little flyaways. Always start at a lower level and increase as needed." If you check your shampoo bottle, you may find silicone listed in the mix of ingredients, especially if the product is geared toward smoothing or firming curls. She suggests spraying a boar-nylon brush with product, then combing it through for even application. "It's the best way to make sure your hair gets a hold that isn't sticky or stiff," she notes.